THE PHANTOM FLOWER.
DR. Pad Bernard determined to take
a well earned rest, in a trip to the
West, so be left his practice in
tho hand of bis classmate and friend,
Dr. Raymond, a physician of acknowl
edged ability, also a botanist of good
reputation, becoming recognized in the
scientific world.
Paul hastily packed a valise, and start
ed on the first train after his friend ar
rived, almost afraid something might
happen yet to detain him.
Once off, be made an effort to throw
off all care and forget that sickness ei
isted in the busy world he had left
He succeeded so well that he gave his
fellow travelers an idea that he was ex
tremely lazy, as he listlessly watched
the varied scenery from his lounging
position.
The fact is, he was very tired, and was
physician enough to prescribe for him
self just what he would for a patient in
his condition.
80, as the "iron horse" carried him
swiftly over miles of territory, be al
lowed bis mind to become almost a
blank. It might have become quite so,
had it not been for the frequent inter
ruption in the shape of a polite official
who requested his "Ticket, sir 1M He
did not plan his trip farther than to de
cide to make his first stop at Denver,
where be found himsalf in about five
days after leaving home.
He underwent all of the experiences
common to tourists in the Qaeen City,
and after about two weeks' rest and
sight seeing, he planned a little further.
He made a trip to Leadville and min
ing camp in its vicinity. He visited
Colorado Springs and Pike's peak, and
several localities noted for scenery, and
was undecided whether to go to Califor
nia, or up into Montana, when a chance
acquaintance led him to choose the lat
ter route.
So it came to pass that after a visit to
Butte City, where be enjoyed a sight of
the largest mining camp in the world,
he " took in " several smaller camps of
rising note, and found himself spending
the national holiday in Helena, the at
tractive little capital of the territory.
He had letters of introduction to a
prominent editor, who met him very
cordially, and took him home to dinner,
making him acquainted with his family,
one member of which proved a strong
magnet to attract hiw that way very
often thereafter.
Indeed, Miss Gertrude Fenton was
an acknowledged belle in the most se
lect circle of Helena society, and accord
ingly had a number of admirers, more
or less unexceptionable.
It was apparent after Dr. Bernard's
arrival, that he was a favorite escort in
all the little excursions planned for his
entertainment, to show off the pretty
Bpots which nature especially designed
for picnics, in Montana.
The delightful atmosphere charmed
and intoxicated himhe almost forgot
the past in the present, and grew young
and light hearted.
He had now been in Helena about a
month, and had made up his mind that
Gertrude must be his, or he must go
away before he became more hoDelesslv
entangled in her charms.
He met her that evening and walked